BJP demands judicial or CBI probe into Ballari clash

Taking exception to what they termed “goondaism unleashed by Congress activists led by Ballari MLA Nara Bharath Reddy” on the BJP activists outside the residence of Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy in Ballari on Thursday evening, that claimed the life of a young man, senior BJP leaders stepped up their attack on the Congress government over the violent clash and demanded an independent probe into the incident and the arrest of Mr. Bharath Reddy.

Former Minister B. Sriramulu, addressing a press conference at the residence of Mr. Janardhan Reddy on Friday, sought an inquiry either under the supervision of a sitting judge of the High Court or by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He said the death of a young man over a banner-related dispute was deeply disturbing and should not have occurred irrespective of the victim’s political affiliation.

Mr. Sriramulu alleged that the violence was the result of deliberate provocation and misuse of youth for political ends. While stating that there was no objection to putting up banners for the Valmiki statue installation, he questioned the decision to erect them near the residence of Mr. Janardhan Reddy along a busy road.

He alleged that when people putting up the banners were questioned, supporters of Mr. Bharath Reddy, led by his close aide Mr. Satish Reddy, attempted to attack BJP workers. He also alleged that private gunmen linked to Mr. Satish Reddy opened fire during the chaos and said the fatal bullet appeared to have been fired from a private weapon. He demanded a scientific examination of the bullet recovered from the deceased’s body to fix responsibility.

Later in the day, BJP State unit president B.Y. Vijayendra echoed similar demands and called upon the Congress government to act against its own MLA Mr. Bharath Reddy if it had respect for the rule of law.

Addressing a press conference near Mr. Janardhan Reddy’s residence, Mr. Vijayendra alleged that the clash reflected “goondaism” under the leadership of Mr. Bharath Reddy, and accused his supporters of mobilising large numbers of workers, indulging in stone-pelting and resorting to firing through private gunmen.

Referring to the dispute over the Valmiki statue installation, Mr. Vijayendra said it was shameful that violence had erupted over an issue that should have united people across communities. He recalled that Valmiki Jayanti had been declared a holiday during the tenure of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and said former minister Mr. Sriramulu had played a key role in honouring Maharshi Valmiki years ago. He alleged that the Congress had politicised the issue by putting up banners without permission and provoking clashes.

Mr. Vijayendra also objected to what he described as provocative statements made during the incident, including threats to burn down Mr. Janardhan Reddy’s house, and said such remarks amounted to incitement. He demanded a comprehensive probe by a sitting High Court judge and immediate legal action against those responsible for the violence.

Earlier, Mr. Vijayendra visited BJP workers who were injured in the clash and are undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ballari. Mr. Sriramulu said the BJP would stand firmly behind Mr. Janardhan Reddy.